Work

Three-dimensional evaluation of palatal bone thickness for insertion of micro implants in a Portuguese population: a retrospective cone-beam CT study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: To examine the palatal bone thickness in a cohort of Portuguese patients representing various age groups to identify optimal insertion sites for enhancing the stability of orthodontic micro implants (MIs). To ascertain whether there are any age- or sex-related variations in palatal bone thickness. Design: Retrospective observational study. Method: A total of 50 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of patients aged 12–51 years (23 boys/men and 27 girls/women) were analysed. The CBCT scans were grouped according to age and sex. The palatal bone thickness was measured at five points: 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 mm posterior to the incisive foramen (IF) and at 3, 6 and 9 mm lateral to the midpalatal suture (MPS). A total of 750 regions of interest were evaluated (15 for each of 50 patients). Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student’s t -tests were employed for data analysis, with a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: The greatest thickness of palatal bone was found to be at 4 mm posterior to the ІF and 9 mm lateral to the MPS in all investigated groups, with a mean thickness of 12.29 ± 2.00 mm for girls/women and 13.59 ± 2.31 mm for boys/men; 13.30 ± 2.38 mm for adolescents and young adults, and 12.27 ± 2.03 mm for adults. Significant statistical differences were identified between male and female individuals and between different age groups (ANOVA, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Palatal bone thickness varied with sex and age; thus, these factors must be considered when selecting the appropriate length of MIs. In general, girls/women had a thinner palatal bone than boys/men. The palatal bone was significantly thicker in the adolescent and young adult age group (12–25 years) than in the adult age group (27–51 years). In addition, bone thickness decreased posteriorly within each sagittal section.

Source: Journal of Orthodontics

DOI: 10.1177/14653125251389975

Authors: Anastasia Ananieva, Iman Bugaighis, Paulo Mascarenhas, Susana Furão, Pedro Mariano Pereira

Institutions: Escola Superior de Saúde Egas Moniz, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz

Language: English

Topic: Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

Subfield: Orthodontics

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,150